Beanstalk Global Max MacGillivray

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.
In our March broadcast we are delighted to be joined by Dr Awal Fuseini, Halal Sector Senior Manager for the AHDB.
Awal works closely with levy payers and key stakeholders in the Halal sector to create a better understanding of the requirements of Halal meat production. His role involves introducing various initiatives aimed at promoting English beef and lamb as versatile and convenient products to Halal consumers. Awal also collaborates with Halal certification bodies to understand the requirements of the major export markets with a view to facilitating the export of English beef and lamb to the global Halal market, with particular focus on the Middle Eastern and Sub-Saharan African markets.
Awal previously worked as an auditor and certification manager for one of the largest Halal certifiers in the UK, he is a trained British Retail Consortium (BRC) and ISO 9001 third party auditor. He has also made a significant contribution to academic literature through the publication of a book on Halal meat production, and numerous peer-reviewed papers in reputable scientific journals such as Meat Science, Veterinary Record, Animal Welfare, CAB Reviews, Food Ethics and others. Awal holds a PhD in animal welfare and meat science from Bristol University, his research interests centre around improving animal welfare at slaughter and evaluating consumer behaviour.

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.
In our March broadcast we are delighted to be joined by Jack Sheffield, Farmer & Founder of FeelAliveAgri, discussing “Building a Brand”.
Jack started FeelAliveAgri in 2017 with an aim to create a brand aimed at young people in agriculture which is affordable yet stylish. A brand which can be worn on the farm, in the field or at the shows.
Having been in farming all his life: growing up on the family farm in Sussex, attending agricultural college and working in different UK counties and down under in Australia, he is no stranger to the farming way of life but he saw there was something the people of the farming community needed and wanted! With social media being a massive part if his life and even more so agriculture nowadays it gave launching the brand a helping hand!

As we’re all aware, currently there are multiple challenges and pressure faced both in our industry and lives. Join our panel to discuss and gain insight into how they are riding the current rollercoaster and adapting their businesses to become more resilient, motivating the people around them, whilst ensuring they look after themselves.
Our Speakers:
Mark Campbell, ChairChris Appleton, Dairy FarmerTom Rawson, Director of Evolution FarmingCharles Anyan, FCN Ambassador & FarmerMax MacGillivray, Beanstalk Global – Host
About our SpeakersChris Appleton – Dairy FarmerChris has been fortunate enough to return to the family farm as a fourth generation dairy farmer managing 450 autumn block cows near Lewes, East Sussex. The farm has seen significant changes over the last 8 years with a project currently underway to build a new dairy unit and expand the herd to 650 cows. Chris is ably supported by a fantastic team that prioritise the welfare of the animals, allowing all to push forwards with the next stages of development for the farm.
Tom Rawson – Director of Evolution FarmingTom is married to Catherine and they have three teenage children. Tom’s journey into dairy farming started on his parents’ 50 cow tenanted farm in West Yorkshire when he finished Harper Adams University in 1999 having not milked a cow until he was 19 years old. In 2010 Tom co founded Evolution Farming which today milks over 3000 cows on 8 units and at peak employed over 80 staff in a variety of different enterprises. Tom also has wider industry involvement including being Vice Chair of Nuffield Farming, current Chair of The 1000 Cow Club and a Committee member of The Farmers Club.
Charles Anyan – FCN Ambassador & FarmerCharles is an arable farmer and keen environmentalist from Lincolnshire who took up running during the Covid lockdowns. A five stone weight loss quickly ensued. Now a veteran of 4 marathons (and currently training for number 5) he still hasn’t stopped. He has found running to be a great way to look after both his physical and mental health, and is an advocate for breaking the stigma around this.
Anyan became an ambassador for The Farming Communtiy Network in 2021 and was also a judge of Britain’s Fittest Farmer in 2023.

We know how important it is to be inspired by both big businesses and individuals, which is why we are excited to present Talking Leaders, a monthly initiative from the AHDB which will see a series of inspirational speakers share their life experiences and deliver impactful stories to the AgriLeader community.
In our February broadcast were delighted to be joined by Kirsty Lewis - Founder of the School of Facilitation, discussing "A Business is Never Too Small for Effective Communication".
A bit about Kirsty and the School of Facilitation: "Hi, I’m Kirsty, Founder of the School of Facilitation, a dream I first journaled on in 2007. I was seeking comradery in the world of facilitation, working with corporates for the majority of my career, and  I was feeling the pull of real connection and people who just ‘got it’.
But, where would I find them? After months and years of soul searching and web scouring, I realised that the solution I sought was within me! In 2014 the School of Facilitation welcomed its first members, having been gradually formulating in the background for some time. By 2017 we were supporting and encouraging facilitators and corporations from around the world.
I’ve worked with powerhouse brands and household names, such as Diageo, Chanel and Jacob Douwe Egberts. My own personal facilitation journey spans decades (I know, I know, I don’t look old enough!) and I’ve worked for myself for much of that time. I understand the trials and tribulations of going it alone, being an associate or facilitating within a corporate structure, because I’ve experienced those facets myself."

In late 2024, Kegan Stubbs and Max MacGillivray are travelling to Zim to explore the best of the countries farming and produce whilst supporting agricultural industries. They will be visiting a number of key growers to film, to learn and to promote the countries fresh food output for both internal consumption and to also highlight them all for key export markets. We are keen to give this opportunity for key Partner Sponsors to benefit from the planned mission to Zimbabwe!
On the Broadcast was:
Kegan Stubbs – he is currently engaged in exploring the intricacies of the agricultural industry within the UK via the MDS scheme and is partnering Max MacGillivray of Beanstalk Global on the Zim “mission”! Having grown up on a diverse farm in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, he developed a profound connection to both agriculture and his home country.
Clarence Mwale – A global exporter and compliance manager of primarily blueberries, but also has an extensive small-scale out growers’ program which he markets and runs compliance.
Josh Burger – Grower, Exporter, and marketing agent for most of Zim’s paprika crop – near the town of Kwekwe
Graeme Webb –  A key Zim grower majoring on150 ha Avocadoes and 80 ha Citrus
Max MacGillivray – Host and Editor in Chief of Beanstalk Global

The road to Net Zero can be a challenging and tricky journey. Learning from the experiences of others can help make that journey a bit easier and enhance your business’ efforts to reduce its carbon emissions and make your operations more profitable and sustainable. This is why we at SLIPAH, together with our partners at Beanstalk Global, are assembling a star panel of sustainability experts for our upcoming ‘Net Zero Show and Tell’ Webinar on the 30th of January from 1pm-2pm. This webinar will provide the platform for our panellists to share the experience and knowledge they have had from the efforts undertaken by their organisations to progress towards Net Zero. Moderated by Max MacGillivray of Beanstalk, our panel will share their experience and knowledge of the challenges, pitfalls, success and solutions businesses need to bear in mind on their Net Zero journey.
Joining us on this panel will be: Shaun Warren, (Sustainability Advisor at Graf Uk Ltd), Simon Derrick (Head of Sustainability at Blue Skies Holdings Ltd), Nicola Pichel-Juan (Sustainability Manager at Satra Technology Centre), Joely Slinn (Sustainability Officer at West Northants Council), Martin Wilson (Sustainability Manager, West Northants Council), Guy Schanschief MBE, Founder of Bambino Mio and Dr Ebenezer Laryea (Associate Professor of Sustainable Development Law at University of Northampton).
Don’t miss this opportunity this opportunity to hear from this panel of experts and the stories of how their organisations have done so far in navigating their way on the road to Net Zero.